21 Children and families practitioner jobs in Manchester

NCT is the national charity for pregnancy, birth, infant feeding and early parenthood.
 
Our vision is simple: a society where everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected and safe.
 
Through our For Every Parent strategy, we're working to make that vision a reality. We support parents with trusted information, practical help, local communities and a stronger voice in the issues that matter to families.
 
For 70 years, we've been by parents' sides through the excitement, uncertainty, wonder and challenges of becoming a parent. Today, our volunteers contribute more than 70,000 hours of community service each year, helping parents build friendships, find support and feel less alone.
 
We educate and empower parents with evidence-based information and support. We advocate and act by listening to parents' experiences, raising their voices and campaigning for change. No judgement. No exceptions.

About the role 

Join our passionate team and contribute to the meaningful work that transforms the lives of parents and families. Your role will include:

• Providing essential administration support to ensure the smooth, efficient and effective delivery of Commissioned Services projects

• Creating, monitoring and maintaining cohort trackers for training and moderation purposes.

• Maintaining and updating learning platforms and CRMs, ensuring learning content and learner records are accurate, and accessible.

About you 

You will...

• Have a proven background in a busy and varied administration role.

• Be able to demonstrate good judgement when prioritising workload, meeting deadlines, and responding appropriately to learner and trainer questions and queries.

• Be methodical and organised, and comfortable working with established processes.

• Have experience of working with learning platforms and CRMs, demonstrating a strong commitment to accuracy and data integrity. 

• Be solution focussed, motivated to contribute to process improvements and able to find practical ways to overcome challenges.

• Be self-motivated, able to work independently and contribute positively as part of a collaborative team.• Supporting the compliance of our volunteer peer supporters to ensure all mandatory training is completed and up to date. 

• Contributing to process improvements and efficiencies to ensure a positive experience for peer support volunteers, our project teams, our trainers and internal colleagues. 

Our Benefits – What we offer you 

We value our team and offer fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth: 

• 30 days annual leave (excluding Bank Holidays) pro-rata 
• Pension matched up to 5% 
• Flexible working options to suite your lifestyle
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, personalised counselling, legal advice and more 
• Life Assurance for peace of mind 
• Free eye test for all staff, with further discounts 
• Blue Light discount card

Job Title : Group Facilitator- CashBack Connections Project
Hours : Part-time, 5 to 10 hours weekly (daytime and evening groups available)
Salary : £13.45 per hour (Real Living Wage)
Location : Community venues across North and South Lanarkshire
Closing Date : 2nd October 2026

Role

CashBack Connections supports young people from across North and South Lanarkshire aged 10-16, who are at risk of involvement in antisocial behaviour and/ or offending.  We will be providing 5 groups based in different locations across North and South Lanarkshire and where required will offer additional 1-1 support for the young people.

The Groups aim to encourage and empower young people to identify positive pathways of their choosing by providing activities that focus on both social and practical life skills, including:

• Creative workshops: arts, crafts, music, and drama that allow participants to express themselves creatively and build confidence.
• Life skills workshops: age-appropriate activities that foster self-sufficiency and resilience.
• Physical activities: to promote wellbeing and improve physical health.
• Community outings: activities chosen to enhance social skills and provide experiences that may otherwise be inaccessible.

The Group Facilitators will help co-design the calendar of activities in collaboration with the young people to ensure their ideas and voices are the focus and drive for each session.  You will be a positive role model supporting the children and young people to actively engage with the activity, feel safe and respected and build meaningful peer relationships.  As a result we are aspiring to reduce the risk of antisocial behaviour/offending and help the young people to realise their full potential.

You will have a supportive team of volunteers that will look to you for support and guidance.  You will work collaboratively with the Project Coordinators to ensure all activities are risk assessed and children and young people at risk are supported in line with our Child Protection and Safeguarding polices, creating individualised, robust support plans.

We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, empathetic and inspiring to join our team and lived experience is desired.

Breakdown of Hours

• 2 hours for group delivery to around 10 young people.
• 1 hour to assist with pick up and drop offs for the young people to remove barriers for attending the group.
• 2 hours dedicated to recording notes and session reports, planning and preparing for the weekly groups and any other task that the Project Coordinator may need assistance with. 

If a candidate is interested in running 2 groups at a 10 hour contract, please highlight this in the application.

What we offer

We offer a rewarding role with the opportunity to develop your skills and future career in an enriching environment with the following benefits:

• 6% employer pension contribution
• 22 days A/L (rising to up to 27 days) and 10 public holidays (pro-rata).
• One special leave day to celebrate your birthday
• Flexible working
• Reimbursement of travel expenses.
• HSF Health plan (including dental, optical, physio claim back, personal accident coverage, GP, mental health counselling, legal support, and discounts for gym, cinema, and shopping)
• Quarterly staff wellbeing activities
• Access to ScotWest Credit Union (loans, mortgages, and savings accounts)
• Access to learning and development opportunities

Across the UK, millions of children and young people are facing complex social and emotional challenges. AllChild works within local communities and wider support systems to identify and support children and young people most at risk of poor social, emotional and academic outcomes. Through our two-year Impact Programme, we help build a joined-up network of support around each child and family, working in partnership with schools, local services and community organisations.

Our dedicated, school-based Link Workers coordinate bespoke, strengths-based support through our trusted partners, from counselling, tutoring and engagement opportunities in sport or art to access to wider community and early help support where needed. By mobilising trusted relationships and coordinating support across the local system, we help young people flourish, building confidence, skills and a positive future. Founded in West London, AllChild is now expanding to new places to create lasting, place-based change.

We’re seeking people in the Greater Manchester area with a genuine passion for supporting children and young people, strong intrinsic motivation and high personal standards. If that sounds like you, we’d be delighted for you to join our team.

For further information and details on how to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 11 September 2026.

We recognise that candidates may use AI tools to support research and check grammar. However, we ask that all supporting statements and application responses reflect your own thoughts and experiences. Over-reliance on AI may limit our ability to assess your individual skills, critical thinking, and personal approach, which are important parts of our selection process.

Change how the UK understands and supports bereaved children and families.

This is an exciting time to join Child Bereavement UK.

We are establishing a brand-new Research & Policy function and are looking for an ambitious Public Affairs Lead to help ensure the voices of bereaved children, young people and parents shape policy, practice and public understanding across the UK.

Working closely with the Head of Policy & Research, you will develop and deliver Child Bereavement UK's public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity, building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians and sector leaders to drive meaningful change.

You will act as the bridge between research, lived experience and influence, translating evidence into compelling advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement opportunities and policy recommendations that make a difference.

This is a rare opportunity to help build a new function, shape our national influence, and ensure the experiences of bereaved children, young people and families are heard where it matters most.

While based remotely, this role has a strong external focus and requires regular travel to London to represent Child Bereavement UK, build key relationships and engage with policymakers, partners and sector networks.

Role Purpose

As Public Affairs Lead you will play a central role in ensuring the voices and experiences of bereaved children, young people, parents and families influence policy, practice and public understanding across the UK.

Working closely with the Head of Policy & Research, you will develop and deliver Child Bereavement UK's public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity, building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, sector partners and influencers to drive meaningful change.

You will act as the bridge between research, policy and communications, helping to translate evidence and lived experience into compelling advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement opportunities and influencing activity.

Main Responsibilities

 Public Affairs & Policy Influence

· Develop and deliver public affairs plans that support Child Bereavement UK's strategic priorities and policy objectives.

· Use research, evaluation findings and lived experience evidence to identify policy gaps, develop influencing priorities and shape recommendations for decision-makers.

· Translate organisational evidence into clear policy asks and reform proposals for government, parliamentarians, public bodies and sector leaders.

· Identify opportunities to embed evidence and learning within national, regional and local policy frameworks, guidance and professional practice.

· Support the development of long-term influencing strategies that drive systemic change for bereaved children, young people and families.

· Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, government officials, policymakers and key sector stakeholders.

· Coordinate engagement with relevant All-Party Parliamentary Groups, consultations, inquiries and policy forums.

· Support the development of policy briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions.

· Organise parliamentary events, stakeholder roundtables and engagement opportunities that raise awareness of bereavement issues.

· Work with the Head of Voice & Participation to ensure the voices of bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child are represented at all stages of policy development.

Advocacy & Campaigns

· Lead the delivery of advocacy and influencing campaigns aligned to organisational priorities.

· Ensure advocacy campaigns are grounded in robust evidence, insight and lived experience, with clear objectives for policy and practice change.

· Work with the Head of Policy & Research to translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations.

· Develop stakeholder engagement plans that support campaign objectives.

· Build relationships with partner organisations, coalitions and networks to strengthen collective influence.

· Develop compelling narratives that connect research findings with real-world outcomes and policy solutions.

· Work with colleagues to identify tangible actions that policymakers, practitioners, employers, schools and communities can take in response to emerging evidence.

Stakeholder Engagement

· Develop and maintain stakeholder mapping and engagement plans.

· Build productive relationships with sector leaders, professional bodies, charities, academics and decision-makers.

· Coordinate engagement with strategic partners and external networks.

· Support senior leaders in stakeholder engagement activity through briefings, meeting preparation and follow-up actions.

Research Translation & Communications

· Develop evidence-informed policy asks, implementation recommendations and calls to action that support measurable change.

· Identify opportunities to move research and insight beyond publication and into policy development, service improvement and public discourse.

· Translate research, evidence and lived experience into compelling stakeholder communications.

· Produce parliamentary briefings, policy summaries, position statements and advocacy materials.

· Work closely with the Marketing & Communications team to ensure policy and research activity is effectively communicated to external audiences.

· Collaborate with the PR & Press Lead to identify opportunities to amplify policy and research messages through media and public engagement activity.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Insight

· Monitor and evaluate public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity.

· Track policy developments, stakeholder engagement outcomes and influencing opportunities.

· Produce reports demonstrating impact, engagement and progress against objectives.

· Maintain stakeholder databases and records to support organisational relationship management.

Person Specification

Essential

Experience & Knowledge

· Significant experience in public affairs, policy, advocacy, campaigns or stakeholder engagement.

· Experience building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, public sector organisations or influential stakeholders.

· Understanding of UK political systems, parliamentary processes and policy development.

· Experience developing and delivering influencing or advocacy campaigns.

· Experience producing briefings, consultation responses or policy-focused communications.

· Understanding of how evidence and lived experience can be used to influence decision-making.

Skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong relationship-building and influencing abilities.

· Ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively.

· Excellent organisational and project management skills.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

· Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

Personal Attributes

· Passionate about improving outcomes for bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child.

· Collaborative and relationship-focused.

· Compassionate and emotionally intelligent.

· Proactive, resilient and self-motivated.

· Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and trauma-informed practice.

Desirable

· Passionate about improving outcomes for bereaved children, young people and parents

· Experience within the charity, health, social care or education sectors.

· Knowledge of bereavement, grief, loss or trauma-informed services.

· Experience working with All-Party Parliamentary Groups or parliamentary engagement activity.

· Experience working with research and evidence-based policy development.

· Experience working with lived-experience contributors and ambassadors.

· Understanding of campaigning, coalition building and systems change approach

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 17th September 2026 at midnight

Interview dates: 29th and 30th September on MS Teams

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Across the UK, millions of children and young people are facing complex social and emotional challenges. AllChild works within local communities and wider support systems to identify and support children and young people most at risk of poor social, emotional and academic outcomes. Through our two-year Impact Programme, we help build a joined-up network of support around each child and family, working in partnership with schools, local services and community organisations.

Our dedicated, school-based Link Workers coordinate bespoke, strengths-based support through our trusted partners, from counselling, tutoring and engagement opportunities in sport or art to access to wider community and early help support where needed. By mobilising trusted relationships and coordinating support across the local system, we help young people flourish, building confidence, skills and a positive future. Founded in West London, AllChild is now expanding to new places to create lasting, place-based change.

We’re seeking people in the Greater Manchester area with a genuine passion for supporting children and young people, strong intrinsic motivation and high personal standards. If that sounds like you, we’d be delighted for you to join our team.

For further information and details on how to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 11 September 2026.

We recognise that candidates may use AI tools to support research and check grammar. However, we ask that all supporting statements and application responses reflect your own thoughts and experiences. Over-reliance on AI may limit our ability to assess your individual skills, critical thinking, and personal approach, which are important parts of our selection process.

Children’s Domestic Violence Advocate (CHIDVA) 

Women only occupational requirement: This role is restricted to women under Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010. The nature of the work involves providing support to women who have experienced domestic abuse, and Safenet considers it a genuine occupational requirement that the post-holder is a woman. 

About Safenet 
Safenet delivers domestic abuse services across the North West of England, including refuges for women and children, safe houses for men, and community-based support. We provide trauma-informed, survivor-led services and work with partners to help people stay safe and rebuild their lives. 

About the role 
We are looking for a compassionate, skilled and trauma-informed practitioner who can provide high-quality support to children and young people affected by domestic abuse. The successful candidate will have strong safeguarding knowledge, experience of working with children, young people and families, and the confidence to manage risk, complete assessments and work effectively with partner agencies. They will be child-centred, inclusive and reflective in their practice, with the ability to build trust, advocate for children’s voices and support safe, positive outcomes for children, young people and non-abusive parents/carers. 

As a Children’s Domestic Violence Advocate (CHIDVA), you will safeguard and support children and young people affected by domestic abuse across the Continuum of Need, including Child Protection. You will deliver child-centred 1:1 and group interventions, complete child-focused risk assessments and safety plans, and ensure children and young people’s voices shape the support they receive. Working with partner agencies (including through MARAC), you will contribute to coordinated responses that improve safety, wellbeing and long-term resilience. 

Key responsibilities 

• Provide emotional and practical support through 1:1 sessions and groupwork using trauma-informed approaches. 

• Complete child-focused risk assessments (including SafeLives DASH RIC) and contribute to dynamic safety planning. 

• Represent children and young people’s needs in MARAC and other multi-agency forums, ensuring their voice informs decisions. 

• Work with social care, education, health and criminal justice partners to coordinate support and reduce barriers to access. 

• Help children and young people understand the impact of abuse, build resilience and develop age-appropriate healthy relationships. 

• Work with non-abusive parents/carers to strengthen safe relationships, attachment and recovery. 

• Identify and act on safeguarding concerns, including self-harm or suicidal ideation, and refer via appropriate pathways. 

• Maintain accurate, confidential case records and monitoring information in line with organisational and funder requirements. 

• Model inclusive, culturally sensitive, anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice in all work. 

What we’re looking for 

Essential 

• SafeLives CHIDVA qualification (or working towards) and/or a relevant children and young people qualification (or working towards). 

• Experience supporting children and young people affected by domestic abuse, trauma or adversity. 

• Experience managing a caseload and delivering consistent, high-quality support to children, young people and families. 

• Experience working in multi-agency settings (e.g., social care, education, health, criminal justice). 

• Strong safeguarding knowledge (including Children Acts 1989/2004 and Domestic Abuse Act 2021) and confidence escalating concerns. 

• Ability to build trust and communicate effectively with children/young people and professionals, adapting to age and need. 

• Strong record-keeping skills and a commitment to confidentiality and data protection. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, including anti-racist and intersectional practice. 

Desirable 

• Women’s Aid or Respect accredited training (e.g., DAPA) and/or Paladin Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker (ISAC). 

• Level 4 Diploma in Domestic Abuse; DASH risk assessment; trauma-informed care training. 

• Experience supporting children and young people with complex needs (including self-harm or suicidal ideation) and knowledge of referral pathways. 

• Knowledge of culturally specific forms of abuse and barriers to access for ethnic minority and migrant survivors (e.g., HBV, FGM). 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of adults, children and young people. Appointment will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to inclusive, anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice. 

NCT is the national charity for pregnancy, birth, infant feeding and early parenthood. Our vision is simple: a society where everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected and safe.

Through our For Every Parent strategy, we're working to make that vision a reality. We support parents with trusted information, practical help, local communities and a stronger voice in the issues that matter to families.

For 70 years, we've been by parents' sides through the excitement, uncertainty, wonder and challenges of becoming a parent. Today, our volunteers contribute more than 70,000 hours of community service each year, helping parents build friendships, find support and feel less alone.

We educate and empower parents with evidence-based information and support. We advocate and act by listening to parents' experiences, raising their voices and campaigning for change. No judgement. No exceptions.

About the role 

We're looking for 5 Perinatal Peer Supporters to join us to provide compassionate, non-judgemental peer support to mothers, birthing people and families across Kent. Support will be delivered through a range of settings, including face-to-face and virtual peer support groups. 

Working closely with our Perinatal Peer Support Service Lead, volunteers, health professionals and community partners, you will help create safe and welcoming spaces where parents can connect, share experiences and access appropriate support. 

Join our passionate team and contribute to the meaningful work that transforms the loves of parents and families. Your role will include: 

• Facilitating welcoming and supportive perinatal peer support groups across Kent, including providing cover for additional sessions when required. 

• Building trusting relationships with parents and families, using active listening and peer support skills to help people feel heard, understood and supported. 

• Identifying when someone may need additional support, signposting to appropriate local services and escalating safeguarding or wellbeing concerns where necessary. 

• Working with volunteers, health and social care professionals, Family Hubs and community partners to increase awareness of the service and strengthen local referral pathways. 

• Supporting the ongoing development of the service through accurate record keeping, feedback, data collection, promotional activity and participation in service review meetings. 

You will also contribute to promoting the service within local communities, particularly among families who may experience additional barriers to accessing support. 

Safeguarding and wellbeing are central to this role. You will receive regular support and supervision and will be expected to raise any concerns appropriately and contribute to creating a safe environment for everyone using the service. 

About you 

You will be compassionate, approachable and able to build trusting relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds. 

You will have a strong understanding of the challenges associated with the perinatal mental health period and be confident providing sensitive, non-judgemental support to parents and families. 

You will also bring: 

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills. 

• Good written and verbal communication skills, including active listening. 

• The ability to manage your time effectively and prioritise competing demands. 

• A reflective and solution-focused approach to your work. 

• Confidence working independently while remaining connected to a supportive wider team. 

• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and internet-based systems. 

• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and to ensuring all families feel welcomed and supported. 

Experience of community engagement, supporting vulnerable families or working with diverse cultural communities would be particularly valuable. 

Knowledge of safeguarding, including child and vulnerable adult protection, and awareness of emotional and practical support services within the local community would also be beneficial. 

You must either be a trained NCT Parents in Mind Peer Supporter or be willing and eligible to undertake this training. The training requires lived experience of perinatal mental ill-health and/or experience supporting someone through perinatal mental health challenges. 

An Enhanced DBS check and driving licence are required for this role. You will also need to be willing and able to travel across the commissioned area, sometimes at short notice to support peer support sessions. 

Our Benefits – What we offer you 

We value our team and offer fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth: 

• 30 days annual leave pro rata (excluding Bank Holidays)
• Pension matched up to 5% 
• Flexible working options to suite your lifestyle 
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, personalised counselling, legal advice and more 
• Life Assurance for peace of mind 
• Free eye test for all staff, with further discounts 
• Blue Light discount card 

At NCT,we’recommitted to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please let us know—we’rehere to support you.Ready to make a difference? Apply now and be part of something truly special. 

NCT is the national charity for pregnancy, birth, infant feeding and early parenthood. Our vision is simple: a society where everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected and safe.

Through our For Every Parent strategy, we're working to make that vision a reality. We support parents with trusted information, practical help, local communities and a stronger voice in the issues that matter to families.

For 70 years, we've been by parents' sides through the excitement, uncertainty, wonder and challenges of becoming a parent. Today, our volunteers contribute more than 70,000 hours of community service each year, helping parents build friendships, find support and feel less alone.

We educate and empower parents with evidence-based information and support. We advocate and act by listening to parents' experiences, raising their voices and campaigning for change. No judgement. No exceptions.

About the role  

As Kent Project Support Coordinator, you will help coordinate and deliver our local perinatal mental health peer support service across Kent. Working closely with our Perinatal Peer Support Service Lead, peer supporters, volunteers, health professionals and community partners, you will help ensure families receive safe, inclusive and accessible support within their local communities. 

Join our passionate team and contribute to the meaningful work that transforms the loves of parents and families. Your role will include:  

Coordinating the day-to-day delivery of local peer support groups, including venues, rotas, local promotion, resources and providing occasional facilitation cover where required. 

Recruiting, coordinating and supporting volunteers and peer supporters, including regular communication and debriefing following sessions to identify safeguarding, signposting or additional support needs. 

Supporting referrals into the service, helping assess individual needs and ensuring parents and families are connected with appropriate peer support, signposting or onward referrals. 

Building and maintaining positive relationships with local health and social care professionals, Family Hubs and community organisations to strengthen referral pathways and increase awareness of the service. 

Supporting monitoring and evaluation through accurate record keeping, data collection, case studies, service feedback and contributions to commissioner reporting and continuous service improvement. 

You will also help promote the service within local communities, particularly among families who may experience additional barriers to accessing support, and contribute to social media content, promotional activities and local events.

About you  

You will be compassionate, organised and confident working with parents, families, volunteers and professionals from a wide range of backgrounds. 

You will have an understanding of the challenges associated with the perinatal mental health period and be comfortable supporting people sensitively and without judgement. 

You will also bring: 

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage your time and priorities effectively. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening and the ability to build rapport with people from different backgrounds. 
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Confidence working independently while remaining part of a supportive wider team. 
• Good judgement when responding to individual needs, safeguarding concerns and situations requiring signposting or referral. 
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and internet-based systems. 
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and to ensuring services are welcoming and accessible to all families. 

Experience of community engagement, working with vulnerable families or people with complex needs, supporting volunteers, or working successfully with diverse cultural communities would be particularly valuable. 

Knowledge of safeguarding and awareness of emotional and practical support services available within local communities would also be beneficial. 

Training as an NCT Parents in Mind Peer Supporter is desirable. We also welcome applications from candidates who are willing and eligible to undertake this training. 

An Enhanced DBS check and driving licence are required for this role. You will also need to be willing and able to travel across the commissioned area, including at short notice when required.

Our Benefits – What we offer you  

• We value our team and offer fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth:  
• 30 days annual leave pro rata (excluding Bank Holidays)  
• Pension matched up to 5%  
• Flexible working options to suite your lifestyle  
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, personalised counselling, legal advice and more  
• Life Assurance for peace of mind  
• Free eye test for all staff, with further discounts  
• Blue Light discount card  

At NCT, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please let us know—we’re here to support you. Ready to make a difference? Apply now and be part of something truly special.  

NCT is the national charity for pregnancy, birth, infant feeding and early parenthood. Our vision is simple: a society where everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected and safe.

Through our For Every Parent strategy, we're working to make that vision a reality. We support parents with trusted information, practical help, local communities and a stronger voice in the issues that matter to families.

For 70 years, we've been by parents' sides through the excitement, uncertainty, wonder and challenges of becoming a parent. Today, our volunteers contribute more than 70,000 hours of community service each year, helping parents build friendships, find support and feel less alone.

We educate and empower parents with evidence-based information and support. We advocate and act by listening to parents' experiences, raising their voices and campaigning for change. No judgement. No exceptions.

About the role 

As Perinatal Peer Support Service Lead, you will take responsibility for the effective day-to-day delivery of our local perinatal peer support service. Working closely with peer supporters, volunteers, health and social care professionals and community partners, you will help ensure families receive safe, inclusive and high-quality support when they need it. 

Join our passionate team and contribute to the meaningful work that transforms the loves of parents and families. Your role will include: 

• Leading and supporting the local peer support team, providing line management, supervision and operational oversight to ensure a consistent and high-quality service. 

• Overseeing the day-to-day delivery of peer support groups, including volunteer recruitment and support, rotas, venues, resources and training coordination. 

• Managing referrals into the service, assessing individual needs and suitability, providing appropriate signposting and coordinating onward or alternative support where needed. 

• Building strong relationships with health and social care professionals, Family Hubs and other community partners to develop effective referral pathways and increase awareness of the service, particularly within disadvantaged communities. 

• Monitoring the impact and quality of the service through accurate data, service user and volunteer feedback, outcome measures and evaluation, using insights to support continuous improvement. 

Safeguarding and the wellbeing of the families we support are central to this role. You will help maintain robust safeguarding and health and safety practices and ensure concerns are identified and escalated appropriately. 

About you 

You will be an organised, compassionate and confident people leader with a strong understanding of the challenges families may experience during the perinatal period. 

You will have experience supporting vulnerable families or people with complex needs, together with strong judgement when assessing individual needs and identifying appropriate support, referrals or signposting. 

You will also bring: 

• Experience supervising and supporting others, including volunteers. 

• Project management experience and the ability to coordinate multiple areas of service delivery. 

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work flexibly while managing competing priorities. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening and the ability to build rapport with people from a wide range of backgrounds. 

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills. 

• Experience collecting data and contributing to professional reporting. 

• An understanding of the barriers parents can face when accessing services and the importance of providing inclusive and equitable support. 

• Good judgement when managing workloads, people and safeguarding concerns. 

• Confidence using Microsoft Office and internet-based systems. 

Knowledge of safeguarding, including child and vulnerable adult protection, and awareness of local emotional and practical support services would be beneficial. 

Training as an NCT Parents in Mind Peer Supporter would also be welcomed, although we are happy to consider candidates willing and eligible to undertake this training. 

An Enhanced DBS check and driving licence are required for this role. You will also need to be willing and able to travel across Kent, including providing occasional cover for peer support sessions when required. 

Our Benefits – What we offer you 

We value our team and offer fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth: 

• 30 days annual leave (excluding Bank Holidays) 

• Pension matched up to 5% 

• Flexible working options to suite your lifestyle 

• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, personalised counselling, legal advice and more 

• Life Assurance for peace of mind 

• Free eye test for all staff, with further discounts

• Blue Light discount card 

At NCT,we’recommitted to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please let us know—we’rehere to support you.Ready to make a difference? Apply now and be part of something truly special. 

The young people, children and families that we support are at the heart of everything we do at Mermaids.  The work that we do has significantly expanded and we now need a highly effective and experienced Youth Advocacy Manager to join the organisation.  The Youth Advocacy Manager plays a crucial role in empowering trans youth, advocating for their rights and fostering inclusive  and supportive communities where they can thrive.  This role is a core part of our management team and will drive the organization to ensure that youth voice is centred across all of our work.

Mermaids is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from those with lived experiences (directly or indirectly) and/or close ties to the LGBTQ+ community. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us and shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from BPOC (black and people of colour) and/or disabled and trans candidates.

Up to 37.5 hours per week ¦ Full and part-time opportunities

Do you want to make a real difference every day?

Are you an experienced Support Worker or care professional ready to take the next step in your career?

At Stockdales, you'll support people with learning and physical disabilities, including people with complex health needs, to live full, active and meaningful lives.

We're a charity with over 70 years' experience, and we're proud to create an environment where the people we support can enjoy life, try new things and be as independent as possible.

And that means your days are anything but ordinary.

You could be supporting someone with their personal care in the morning, heading out into the community in the afternoon, and helping them enjoy an activity, day trip or new experience later that day.

Our activities include swimming, trips to the seaside, museums, sensory walks, activity breaks and holidays in the UK and abroad.

What you'll be doing

As a Care Practitioner, you'll:

• Provide dignified, person-centred personal care and support in line with individual support plans.
• Support individuals with health care needs and complete health care procedures following appropriate training and guidance.
• Promote independence, self-help skills, community involvement and positive outcomes.
• Recognise and appropriately respond to distressed behaviour, safeguarding concerns and changes in health or wellbeing.
• Support colleagues, including staff who are new to the role or completing their probation.
• Take on Shift Leader responsibilities when required, including delegating duties, supporting medication and stores processes, liaising with families and professionals, and escalating concerns appropriately.

You'll be supported throughout your development, with comprehensive induction, refresher training and opportunities to complete relevant professional qualifications such as an RQF/NVQ Level 2 or 3.

About you

You'll ideally have at least one year's experience in care and be ready to take on more responsibility and lead shifts.

Most importantly, you'll be caring, reliable and passionate about supporting people to live the lives they choose.

You'll also need to:

• Be flexible to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
• Be comfortable working as part of a team and taking responsibility when required.
• Have basic IT skills, including Microsoft Word and email.
• Have good English reading and writing skills and basic numeracy.
• Be physically able to carry out the role, including using hoists and pushing wheelchairs.

The role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check, references and successful completion of a 6-month probationary period, as well as all required training.

What we offer

We want our staff to feel valued, supported and able to develop their careers with us. In return, you'll receive:

• A competitive salary
• Enhanced pay for bank holidays and on call
• Excellent internal and external training offered
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
• Mileage paid for travel during work hours
• 28 days holiday per year pro rata inclusive of bank holidays
• Increased holiday entitlement with service
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to Wage Stream
• Medicash – includes access to 24hr GP, money off shopping and going out, wellbeing aids
• Life Insurance Scheme
• Monthly staff prize draw

Why Stockdales?

Because this is more than a care job.

You'll build relationships, develop your skills and help people do things that matter to them. Whether that's supporting someone to become more independent, enjoying a day out, trying a new activity or simply having a really good day - you'll know you've made a difference.

If you're ready to take the next step in your care career, we'd love to hear from you.

We are looking for experienced social workers to help take the Weekenders programme into its next chapter. You will join a small, ambitious charity and play a central role in growing a relational, child-focused programme across England.

THE OPPORTUNITY 

• Salary: starting from £40,000, subject to experience

• Hours: full time, 37.5 hours per week

• Location: home-based within England, with regular team co-working and travel

• Contracts: one permanent post and two 18-month fixed-term posts

• Flexibility: occasional evening or weekend delivery, usually around once per month

• Travel: across England, including occasional overnight stays; reasonable expenses are covered

ABOUT NOW FOSTER

Now Foster brings together social work, service design, lived experience and innovation to transform fostering in England. Our vision is to bring many more wonderful people into fostering so that more children and young people can experience stable, meaningful relationships with caring adults.

We are a small team with big ambitions. We value creativity, collaboration, learning and continuous improvement, and we work with partners who share our determination to do better for children and families.

ABOUT WEEKENDERS 

Weekenders is our flagship programme. We recruit and support weekend foster carers – known as Weekenders – who build regular, long-term relationships with children and young people supported by local authorities. It is about showing up, making a difference and becoming an adult a young person can count on.

The programme is entering an exciting period of growth. We are expanding our partnerships with Regional Care Cooperatives, Fostering Hubs and local authorities across England, currently including London, the South West, North West and North East.

THE ROLE – Lead delivery, develop people and stay close to practice

As a Weekenders Programme Manager, you will turn our ambition into consistently excellent delivery. You will lead the day-to-day support of applicants across an agreed portfolio of areas, making sure prospective Weekenders receive a warm, responsive and motivational experience and that our partners can rely on us to deliver what we have agreed.

This is a people-management and delivery role with a strong connection to practice. You will line-manage Journey Guides, manage a network of independent social workers (ISWs), lead our prep group training and undertake some intro chats yourself.

The role does not carry a statutory caseload. It does carry real responsibility for safeguarding, practice quality, operational oversight and relationships across a growing, geographically distributed programme.

Delivery Leadership: Lead programme delivery

• Take day-to-day responsibility for Weekenders delivery across an agreed portfolio of Fostering Hubs and local authority partners.

• Turn partnership agreements and local processes into clear applicant journeys, with roles, handovers and timescales understood by everyone involved.

• Plan capacity across Journey Guides, ISWs, prep group training and your own direct work so that delivery keeps pace with demand.

• Monitor applicant progress, identify delays or risks early and work with colleagues and partners to find practical solutions.

• Maintain a consistent Now Foster experience across regions while adapting thoughtfully to local contexts.

People Management: Manage and develop Journey Guides

• Provide reflective one-to-one and group supervision, clear objectives and timely feedback.

• Allocate work fairly, monitor workloads and create the structure needed for responsive applicant support.

• Coach Journey Guides in relationship-based, strengths-based and motivational conversations, using observation, role play and practice review where helpful.

• Support sound judgement, safe practice and professional boundaries, addressing performance or wellbeing concerns early and constructively.

• Build a connected team culture in which people share learning, ask for help and take ownership.

Practice Oversight: Manage ISWs and assure practice quality

• Build and maintain a reliable pool of qualified, registered ISWs to undertake initial home visits and teach on prep group training days.

• Coordinate ISW recruitment, onboarding, availability, allocation and briefing in line with our safer recruitment and practice arrangements.

• Set clear expectations for the quality, timeliness and tone of home visits, written outputs, training and feedback.

• Review quality, provide constructive feedback and address concerns promptly, while forecasting capacity and arranging cover.

Training: Plan, staff and lead prep group training

• Own the planning and delivery of prep group training across programme areas, including schedules, venues or online delivery, materials, communications and staffing.

• Facilitate and teach on prep groups, modelling inclusive, relational and reflective practice.

• Brief and support ISW co-facilitators so sessions are coherent, well-paced and grounded in the realities of fostering.

• Make sure applicants can reflect meaningfully on children's needs, safer caring, trauma-informed care, cultural matching and working with fostering services.

• Ensure observations and training feedback are recorded sensitively and on time, and use feedback to strengthen future delivery.

Relationships: Stay close to applicants and partners

• Undertake some intro chats, particularly where additional experience, judgement or continuity is needed.

• Step into complex applicant situations or difficult conversations without taking over work appropriately held by Journey Guides.

• Develop trusted operational relationships with Fostering Hubs, Regional Care Cooperatives, local authority fostering teams and other partners.

• Work through differences or blockages constructively, combining persistence with curiosity about other people's pressures and perspectives.

Programme Addurance: Safeguarding, quality and improvement

• Promote a strong safeguarding culture and ensure concerns are recognised, recorded and escalated appropriately.

• Maintain accurate, timely records and use pipeline data, feedback and practice observations to understand performance and improve delivery.

• Contribute to the development of tools, guidance, communications and digital workflows as Weekenders grows.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR – Experience, judgement and a strongly relational approach

Essential

You will need a recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England. Beyond that, we are looking for someone who can combine strong practice judgement with people leadership and operational oversight.

You will thrive in this role if you have

• People-management experience – line-managing, supervising or developing staff, including giving feedback and supporting performance and wellbeing.

• Operational leadership – experience leading a service, programme or complex workflow with multiple people, deadlines and handovers.

• Children's services experience – in fostering, children's social care or a closely related setting, with a sound understanding of safeguarding and professional accountability.

• Training confidence – experience planning and delivering engaging adult learning, workshops or group training.

• Partnership skills – experience building productive relationships across organisational boundaries and working through operational challenges.

• A relational approach – able to hold warm, purposeful and appropriately challenging conversations with people from a wide range of backgrounds.

• Strong organisation and judgement – able to prioritise, delegate, manage dependencies and recognise what needs closer oversight or escalation.

• Digital and data confidence – comfortable using CRM and workflow systems, interpreting delivery information and turning insight into action.

The way you work matters

• Children first – you keep children's needs, relationships and long-term outcomes at the centre of decisions.

• Warm and reflective – you build genuine relationships, remain curious about your own impact and welcome feedback.

• Courageous and accountable – you name concerns, make decisions, follow through and own mistakes.

• Collaborative – you share learning generously while maintaining clear accountability.

• Adaptable – you are comfortable in a small, ambitious organisation where roles and systems continue to evolve.

Bonus points for

• Lived experience of the care system.

• Training or experience in motivational interviewing, systemic practice, coaching or another relational approach.

• Experience of foster carer recruitment, initial visits, assessment, prep groups, panel or post-approval support.

• Experience commissioning, coordinating or quality-assuring ISWs, associates or other independent practitioners.

• A practice educator, adult-teaching or training qualification, or substantial equivalent experience.

• Experience scaling a service across regions or working with a dispersed team and multiple delivery partners.

• Project, budget, contract, risk or resource-management experience.

• Experience of co-production, service design or continuous improvement.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU

Joining Now Foster means being part of something different. We are small, ambitious and innovative, and you will have genuine influence over how Weekenders grows. You will stay close to practice and impact without carrying a statutory caseload.

You will join a supportive, collaborative team that cares about doing excellent work in a sustainable and humane way. We work a 37.5-hour week and trust people to manage their time with balance. The programme sometimes requires evening work, weekend training days or travel, and we flex working time around those commitments.

• Salary from £40,000.

• 28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.

• Home-based working with regular co-working and team days.

• Travel and reasonable work expenses covered in line with Now Foster policy.

• The tools and technology you need to work effectively.

• Workplace pension scheme

• The opportunity to help build a bold, lasting and more relational approach to fostering.
   

We know strong candidates do not always meet every desirable criterion. If the purpose of the role excites you and your experience gives you a strong foundation for the essentials, we encourage you to apply.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS – Key dates and how to apply

• Applications close – Sunday 20 September 2026 at 23:30
• First-round interviews – Online planned for Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 September 2026
• Role play – For candidates progressing to the second round, before the second interview. 30 mins, completed online with one of our Weekenders.
• Second-round interviews– In person planned for Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 October 2026 (reasonable travel expenses covered)

Early application is encouraged. We may close the advert before 20 September if we receive a sufficient number of strong applications.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply through the Charity Jobs listing by the closing date. Candidates invited to interview will receive further information about the format and preparation in advance.

You must have the right to work in the UK. Appointment is subject to current registration with Social Work England, a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and our other safer recruitment requirements.

We recognise that candidates may use generative AI tools to support their application. This is acceptable, but your application must remain an authentic reflection of your own experience and motivation. Please tell us if and how you used AI as part of preparing it.

As a small charity unfortunately we do not have capacity to respond to unsuccessful candidates or offer feedback at the application stage. Please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion if you do not hear from us before the interview dates.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY 

Now Foster is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. Recruitment decisions are made using fair, objective and transparent criteria, and we will make reasonable adjustments so the process is accessible.

If you want to help grow a pioneering programme, develop a thoughtful team and create more lasting relationships for children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

NCT is the national charity for pregnancy, birth, infant feeding and early parenthood.
 
Our vision is simple: a society where everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected and safe.
 
Through our For Every Parent strategy, we're working to make that vision a reality. We support parents with trusted information, practical help, local communities and a stronger voice in the issues that matter to families.
 
For 70 years, we've been by parents' sides through the excitement, uncertainty, wonder and challenges of becoming a parent. Today, our volunteers contribute more than 70,000 hours of community service each year, helping parents build friendships, find support and feel less alone.
 
We educate and empower parents with evidence-based information and support. We advocate and act by listening to parents' experiences, raising their voices and campaigning for change. No judgement. No exceptions.

About the role 

This is an exciting opportunity to help people across NCT feel informed, connected and part of something bigger. 

As Communications and Engagement Officer, you’ll help plan and deliver clear, engaging and well-coordinated communications for our staff, volunteers and practitioners. You’ll support important organisational moments, bring stories of impact to life, and help make sure people across our community have the information they need, when they need it. 

You’ll be joining NCT at a pivotal time, as we embed our refreshed brand, strengthen our internal communications and continue to grow our voice as the nation’s charity for pregnancy, birth and new parents. 

Your role will include: 

• Planning, coordinating and delivering engaging internal communications across our people communities: staff, volunteers and practitioners, making sure messages are clear, timely, accessible and aligned with NCT’s brand and tone of voice. 
• Working with colleagues across NCT to share important updates, organisational priorities and key information in a way that feels human, useful and easy to understand. 
• Supporting communications and engagement around major organisational moments andstrategic activity, including the AGM. 
• Gathering, writing and editing stories, case studies and content that show the real impact of NCT’s work for parents, volunteers, practitioners and communities. 
• Building positive relationships across teams, acting as a trusted communications partner and helping colleagues communicate well with their audiences. 
• Using feedback, insight and engagement data to improve how we communicate, so our internal channels feel more connected, useful and responsive. 

About you 

• You're someone who is naturally curious about people, communications and how organisations work. You love understanding what matters to different audiences, asking questions, joining the dots and finding better ways to do things. 
• You're proactive and don't wait to be told exactly what needs doing. You spot opportunities, identify gaps, suggest improvements and take ownership for making things happen. Whether you're helping shape a key organisational update, uncovering a powerful story, or improving a communications process, you're motivated by making a real difference. 
• Alongside this, you'll be a thoughtful and organised communicator who enjoys turning information into clear, engaging content that helps people feel connected. 
• You don't need to have worked in exactly this kind of role before, but you will bring strong writing skills, good judgement and the confidence to work with different people across an organisation. You'll be comfortable managing several pieces of work at once, building relationships and taking ownership for delivering high-quality work. 
• Be a strong writer and editor, able to adapt your style for different audiences and channels. 
• Have excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage deadlines and keep work moving. 
• Be naturally curious, asking good questions and seeking to understand different perspectives before communicating. 
• Take initiative, identify opportunities for improvement and feel comfortable suggesting new ideas. 
• Be able to turn complex or detailed information into communications that feel clear, accessible and engaging. 
• Build warm, collaborative relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across different teams. 
• Bring strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy, accessibility and inclusive communication. 
• Be comfortable using digital communication tools, content platforms or email systems, or willing to learn. 
• Care about NCT's purpose and values, and want to help create welcoming, inclusive experiences for everyone in our community. 

Our Benefits – What we offer you 

We value our team and offer fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth: 

• 30 days annual leave (excluding Bank Holidays) 
• Pension matched up to 5% 
• Flexible working options to suite your lifestyle
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, personalised counselling, legal advice and more 
• Life Assurance for peace of mind 
• Free eye test for all staff, with further discounts 
• Blue Light discount card 

At NCT, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please let us know—we’re here to support you.  Ready to make a difference? Apply now and be part of something truly special. 

Role: Trust and Statutory Fundraising Manager

Salary: £40000 to £43000 per annum (DoE) + benefits

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Location: Cheadle Hulme, SK8 6RQ

Type: Permanent, Full Time - 37.5 hours per week

About Us

Originally founded in 1823, Seashell Trust is a nationally recognised and registered charity based in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. The Trust comprises of the Royal School Manchester, the Royal College Manchester, 17 bespoke Residential Care Homes, Outreach Health and Family Services. We provide expert Residential care and Education for children and young people with severe, profound, and complex learning difficulties and disabilities, sensory impairments, communication disorders and autism. Our fantastic services are based all on one-site, which deepens our sense of community for our children and young people and the wider Seashell team

The Role

Were hiring for a Trust and Statutory Fundraising manager to join us at Seashell to lead on the trust and foundations fundraising strategy for the charity, driving increased income for capital redevelopment projects and day to day revenue fundraising. They will extend the portfolio of high profile, grant-making trusts and foundations that support the charity along with securing significant funds from statutory funders such as government, Lottery and Sports England.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on trust and statutory fundraising, developing and delivering the strategy for both capital and revenue fundraising to drive increased restricted and unrestricted income.
• Set trust and statutory income targets and oversee income forecasting for capital and revenue, keeping the Head of Fundraising abreast of performance against target.
• Lead on developing and overseeing due diligence procedures for trust, statutory and major donor prospects to ensure staff follow due process.
• Share project information, budgets and statistics gathered for appeals with the wider fundraising and marketing team.
• Work with the Data Officer to ensure the database is maintained with accurate and consistent donor and prospect information in line with GDPR and related legislation

Requirements

• Extensive experience in a trust fundraising role in the charity sector and the process behind it.
• A demonstrable track record of income generation through personally securing six and seven figure gifts from grant-making trusts, foundations and statutory sources
• Experience of leading and delivering effective and practical fundraising strategies to include target setting, forecasting and income reporting
• An ability to think and act strategically to move forward complex donor relationships, understanding their needs and what motivates them
• Experience of working with and influencing senior leaders and peers within an organisation

Benefits

• Detailed 2-week induction programme for all new employees
• Access to our on-site inclusive gym, fitness classes and swimming pool
• Blue light discount scheme
• Benenden Health Care Membership – access to 24/7 GP, physiotherapy, medical treatments, mental health support including counselling service, cancer support, care planning and social care advice
• Access to a wide range of vocational programmes to support you in your job role
• Life Assurance (3x Annual base salary) subject to terms and conditions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Paid Enhanced DBS

About Recruitment at Seashell

Our vision is for the children and young people in our care to be safe, happy and to achieve the best possible outcomes so that they are valued and valuable members of their communities.

Our Core Values are represented within the three ‘I’s’ – Integrity, Innovation, and Involvement. We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunities.

Disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview. We are an inclusive employer and welcome all applications.

This charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We provide an environment that is safeguarded and as part of our safer recruitment policy, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and full references will be taken.